Accessory for a shoe

ABSTRACT

The instant invention is directed to an accessory for a shoe, wherein the accessory allows the shoe to smoothly slide over a floor. The accessory for the shoe comprises a body shaped to envelop outer sole of the shoe and a pair of straps extending from the opposite sides of the body and configured to secure the accessory over the shoe.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The instant invention relates to an accessory for footwear, and more particularly relates to a felt pad for shoes.

BACKGROUND

Shoes is an item of footwear intended to protect and comfort the human foot. Also, the shoe has been used as an item of fashion. Depending upon the specific purpose, the shoes can be designed accordingly. For example, shoes for walking, running, jogging, cricket and like. There have been pronounced advancements in the design of shoes for both enhancing the protection and comfort. Furthermore, shoes are designed to support the physical activity of the user, for example, the shoes for football provide enhanced grip over grass surface to improve the stability of the player. Particular, the sole of the shoes are designed according to the specific purpose of shoes. Mostly, the sole of shoes are designed to provide a better grip which improves the stability of a person over the ground.

However, the enhanced grip of shoes is not always desirable, but may on the other side cause harm to a person. For example, the grip is undesirable in certain physical activities such as dance or exercise involving sliding of the foot over the ground surface. General shoes, due to grip, may not allow normal sliding of the foot over the floor causing harm to the foot or ankle of the user. Shoes with smooth soles are commercially available for such activities. However, buying a separate pair of shoe for dance activities may be uneconomical. Moreover, carrying an extra pair of shoe can be burdensome to the user.

Thus a need is appreciated for a device that allows the shoes with a grip to smoothly slide on the floor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, a principal objective of the instant invention is directed to an accessory for a shoe.

Another objective of the instant invention is that the accessory for the shoe allows the shoe to smoothly slide over a floor.

Still another objective of the instant invention is that the accessory is easy to apply over the shoe.

A further objective of the instant invention is that the accessory can be provided in different sizes.

Still, a further objective of the instant invention is that the accessory of the shoe is compact to carry.

Yet another objective of the instant invention is that the accessory of the shoe is economical to manufacture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, which are incorporated herein, form part of the specification and illustrate embodiments of the instant invention. Together with the description, the figures further serve to explain the principles of the instant invention and to enable a person skilled in the relevant arts to make and use the invention.

FIG. 1 shows the accessory for the shoe applied over a sports shoe, in accordance with an embodiment of the instant invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view showing the body and straps of the accessory for the shoe, in accordance with an embodiment of the instant invention.

FIG. 3 is a rear view showing the body and straps of the accessory for the shoe, in accordance with an embodiment of the instant invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain embodiments of the instant invention are directed to an accessory for a shoe that allows a shoe to smoothly slide over a floor.

Subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. Subject matter may, however, be embodied in a variety of different forms and, therefore, covered or claimed subject matter is intended to be construed as not being limited to any exemplary embodiments set forth herein; exemplary embodiments are provided merely to be illustrative. Likewise, a reasonably broad scope for claimed or covered subject matter is intended. Among other things, for example, the subject matter may be embodied as methods, devices, components, or systems. The following detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be taken in a limiting sense.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the term “embodiments of the instant invention” does not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of embodiments of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising,”, “includes” and/or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The following detailed description includes the best currently contemplated mode or modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention will be best defined by the allowed claims of any resulting patent.

Now referring to FIG. 1 showing an accessory for the shoe applied over the front portion of a sports shoe 10. The accessory for the shoe in accordance with the instant invention comprises a body 20 and a pair of straps 30 extending from opposites sides of the body 20. A coupling means attached to the straps for joining the two straps. In one case, the coupling means can be a hook and loop fastener 40 (for example Velcro or similar material), wherein hook and loop fastener 40 having a male part 50 (FIG. 3) and a female part 60 (FIG. 3). Each of the male 50 and female 60 parts are coupled to the pair of straps. In use, one of the straps is pulled over another strap with the male part facing the female part and thereafter some pressure is applied to secure the loop and hook fastener. The loop and hook fasteners can be provided in different shapes, for example, FIG. 1-3 shows a Velcro strip 50 of rectangular shape.

The body 20, as can be seen in FIGS. 1-3 is shaped to envelop outer sole of the shoe 10. In particular, the body envelops the front portion of the outer sole, as can be seen in FIG. 1. The hook and loop fastener 40 secure the accessory over the shoe.

The body, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, is having a plain central portion which folds up at the edges to envelop the outer sole. The body 20 can be of s single layer construction or a multi-layer construction. When single layer, the body 20 can be made of felt fabric, for example, the industrially available Durafelt can be used for the body. The felt fabric is smooth allowing the shoe to easily slide or pivot over the floor. In one case, Durafelt of thickness ¼ inches can be used. Furthermore, the edges can be protected using a cotton lining. The shape and height of the upward fold are such as to snugly fit the accessory over the shoe. When the body is multilayered, the body 20 can have a backing of the support layer, such as nylon or any other strong fabric. Preferably, the support layer is synthetic or semi-synthetic which is durable and strong. A layer of felt fabric can then be bonded over the support layer.

The straps can be made of synthetic material which is strong and durable. Preferably Nylon can be used in making of the straps. The straps could be coupled to the body or the straps could be a part of the body. For example, the supporting layer could be cut out with the straps. Alternatively, the separate straps could be bonded/sewed to the body.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered instantly to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above-described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An accessory for a shoe comprising: a body shaped to envelop an outer sole of a shoe; a pair of straps extending from opposite sides of the body; the pair of straps configured to secure the accessory over the shoe; and a hook and loop fastener coupled to the straps and configured to couple and uncouple the pair of straps.
 2. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a plain central portion which is folded upwards at the near edges.
 3. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the body is made of felt fabric.
 4. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the body is made of two layers, an inner layer and an outer layer; the inner layer is made of nylon and the outer layer is made of felt fabric.
 5. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the straps are made of nylon.
 6. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the hook and loop fastener is Velcro having a male part and a female part, the male part and the female part each coupled to the pair of straps.
 7. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the accessory is sized to envelop front half of the outer sole.
 8. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the shoe is a sports shoe. 